The Los Angeles County Health Office issued a warning last week against the use of the synthetic drug known as “bath salts.” According to a release from the LA County Public Health department, the legal drug can cause side effects like kidney and liver failure, seizures, increased suicide risk and even death. The drug has gained popularity in recent years and has led “to increased reports of violence and other harm,” the department says.
“Bath salts are particularly dangerous in that not much is known about what goes into the drug and even less is known about what people are capable of while on this drug,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, Director of Public Health and Health Officer. “We do know that there are harmful risks to users, and there is an increased potential for others to be harmed if someone near them is high on this drug.”
The Public Health release states other side effects of bath salts include sweating, chest pains, rapid heart rate, hallucinations, violent behavior and mental illness.
The drug is reportedly known by other names, such as white lightning, white rush and hurricane Charlie, among other names. It is often available in tobacco or smoke shops and packaged in small plastic bags, canisters or jars and may be labeled as “plant food” or “pond water cleaner.” The health department says the drug should not be consumed, used as plant food or to clean pond water.
For more information, visit publichealth.lacounty.gov.